Getting blueprints from city for addition? (house, contractor, living)

[Hungry For Cheese]

Sorry if my topic is a bit unclear. I am not savvy on the lingo.
We are looking to add onto the back of our home...may not be the best time, but we need more space. I was told we need to go down to the city building ( in this case the Van Nuys one ) and pick up the original drawings of the home, propertly lines and whatever else is needed in the process before getting some blueprints drawn up. Does anyone know exactly what I speak of? What is the proper name? Who or where would I go to?

Thanks.

If this should be in another section, sorry. I figure since L.A. is picky with these matters, someone who has direct experience from living here could help more than someone in Arkansas who thinks they know.

[JTGJR]

I would guess that you need to go to the Building and Safety department. But, they may send you someplace else to pull your blueprints from microfilm or fiche. Your architect or contractor will have to illustrate your addition showing that you are not infringing on buffer zones (for lack of a better term).

For example, I remodeled my kitchen a few years ago and, despite the fact that my backyard is 50' deep, I had to illustrate the bay window that sticks out of the back of my house by 2' would not encroach within 5' of my property line before they would sign off on my plans. But I also had a copy of the original blueprints already.

Building and Safety departments are absolutely crucial. But they sure can nickle and dime you.

[greggd]

You will need to go to building & safety's "records department". I haven't been to the Van Nuys office, but generally go downtown.

I can tell you from my experiences on Figueroa that it is best to do this in the morning. The wait can be long in the afternoons.

You complete a form listing the address, info you require, and wait for them to call on you. They will charge a small fee per copy.

[streetscenes]

You don't have to go to the city for your original blueprints. Your architect can draw a plat map and floor plan showing where the house currently sits in relation to the lot lines, etc. If it's a simple addition this does not need to be complicated. I've known people who have drawn up the plans themselves and gotten a permit.

[luca25]

did you ever find out where to get blueprints for your home?
i live in la and I would like the original blueprints for our house.
Not sure how to go about it.
Thanks.

[ferretkona]

In most cases the city does not have prints available. They approve them but do not store or keep them.